While traveling, where you lay your head at night can take up a significant portion of your budget. But worry not, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best value for budget. We’re not as down for roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size team
- Your interests
Be aware that obtaining a 15% discount on a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective than paying full price for a room you really want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted the way we travel over the years. For longer trips, we’re more comfortable in apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and lower your standards in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation and other things to do such as beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals when you stay two or more nights. There are times when you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Stay at your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays so you may be able to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from tourist crowds, and also save money by going during the week.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak) it is possible to cut costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the most value for money.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels have loyalty programs through which members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price and other times staying up until the last minute may get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When you book directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for more value or amenities. You never know, they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are ideal for families or groups. They can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that has travel rewards, use these rewards to cover your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers which they promote through social media. So be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with someone else which allows you to live in their home while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on housing while being in your space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family renting a campervan or RV can be the best option to save on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to explore different places and also have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Additionally, they are able to perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could often save you money on each individual component.
Find hostels
Hostels are an affordable choice for solo travellers or groups of travelers. And with the popularity of hostels that are boutique, you can often find cozy, clean and safe options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a home for a large number of people.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls often carry a selection of luggage for sale at a discount. Be sure to check these stores out before you buy from a department store.
Find sales during off-season
Just like with accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage during the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for retailers of travel and outdoor gear.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. It’s a great option to save money on top-quality brands and you could find lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security and comfort. With a little bit of research and creativity you can locate an ideal location to stay within your budget as well as amazing discounts on luggage for your next journey. By comparing prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or trying alternative options like home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals to stretch your budget further and enjoy your travels to the fullest.